"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

Hello Friends!

Friends, Romans, countrymen...y'all. Foodies, gardeners, artists and collectors - let's gather together to share and possibly learn a thing or two in the mix.

Donna Baker

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Late Night Reverie


I saw this movie, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL, many moons ago and this song came back to me tonight.  Whether you are religious or not, this song is beautiful.  An old Baptist hymn I believe.  The movie is poetic and moving.  One to see.
The late, great Texan, Horton Foote, award winning playwright and legendary screenwriter, wrote this movie. TENDER MERCIES and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD were two of his most famous works.  He even suggested Robert Duvall play Boo Radley in the movie.  They would work together many more times as Horton thought Duvall a great actor.  Geraldine Page won Best Actress at the Academy Awards for Trip To Bountiful.  Isn't it funny how some things never leave you?

Not to give too much away about the film, I titled the picture on my header, I'm Runnin' Away - never associated it with the film till this post.

17 comments:

RachelD said...

One of my favorite old hymns, as I sat at the old upright with that little congregation behind me, singing those tender notes as the pastor stood down front for the Invitation. And this movie is one of the two I've ever done a "review" of, some time in the last few years, as one of my best-remembered---isn't it just a Truth come to life on the screen?.

Dear Horton Foote was a gifted man of words, with the ability to set those haunting, sweating longings into reality that you'd never forget. He brought such marvels to the screen and page, and we're so blessed to have had him.

His superb transition of Harper Lee's novel, from book to screen was a pairing of writers which produced something so sublime as has seldom been achieved before or since.

To Kill a Mockingbird. FADE IN: EXT. MAYCOMB, ALABAMA - DAYBREAK. 1. We are looking down on the small Southern town of Maycomb,. Alabama. It is just ...

And of course, ROBERT DUVALL.

donna baker said...

Rachel, when I first saw Trip To Bountiful, I was the young Mom chasing her boy through the fields. Now, I can relate even more to Geraldine Page's character. It's coming. I can feel it.

RachelD said...

Donna, I don't even own a sweater, but I swear, with every year, I can feel this phantom old ratty gray cardigan growing around my shoulders, down my arms, and when it meets and buttons in the middle---is that the prompt to shout, "Get Off My Lawn!"

I'll suppress the yell as long as possible. Then call Golden Years to come pick me up.

How would YOU know---you're decades younger than me.

donna baker said...

I'm older than dirt Rachel. My Mom died when she was 40; I have no one to show me how to grow old gracefully. Just fear I think. Don't want to be a burden to my family or crazy like Estelle Parsons (I think) hollering out the door, "Come back little Sheba". See, I told you I was old.

donna baker said...

Didn't remember it was Shirley Booth.

Amanda Summer said...

Funny how lately I can't get some movie scores out of my head - two in particular by Thomas Newman, from The Horse Whisperer and How to Make an American Quilt, are stuck on repeat.

This song is beautiful, beautifully sung. Who is the performer?

On another note, Donna, I was so sad to read in the above comments about the early passing of your mom, and your reply about having no one to show you how to grow old gracefully. All I can think is that hopefully, somehow, we inherit traces of wisdom from our elders, stored in our soul, that show us the way in times of need. Goddess bless♡

donna baker said...

I'll remember that Amanda.

La Table De Nana said...

I must see this movie..How did I miss it?
Donna I would have loved to see my mom age ..and it would have been gracefully I am sure.
I had mine longer..she was 55 I was 19.
Miss her all the time.
I do not want to be a burden either.I never thought of this..5 yrs ago..Now I do.
Life changes in a heartbeat.
And all of a sudden we are older.
Leaving precious things behind.
I think only the very lucky get old with nothing wrong.
I used to cringe when I would hear my father say..of someone..he had a lovely death..died in his sleep..I thought how can anyone have a lovely death?
Now it sounds perfect to me.I am now my father's age when he said these things:)
I find it a shame to live a life.. raise a family..work..and in older years..suffer.
I just read a very interesting article about children that do not age..it' is a disease..and so sad for families..but geneticists are looking into everything to see if they can find the secret of youth...as they have witnessed such tragic things in old people.
I look at a friend of mine..and really.. in her 80's a walker..bad back..in pain always..
She should be enjoying these years.
All around..there is beauty..but also clearly signs that there is unfairness too.

On that cheerful note..
I can just tell from afar you are doing everything gracefully.

donna baker said...

Monique, just glad to hear there are others out there thinking the same thoughts. Whoever thinks they'll get old till it's there? PS ~ Glad you didn't see me chasing the chicken around the barn apartment this morning trying to get it out the door.

donna baker said...

Amanda, the singer's name is Cynthia Clawson.

La Table De Nana said...

There is grace and elegance chasing poultry too:)
Depends on whether were wearing a long prairie dress?:)

RachelD said...

Oh, Dear Heavens! It's happening. The movie I "reviewed," as in recommended and told a little about, was indeed a ROAD movie, but not THAT one. It was The Road To Galveston, which was sweetly memorable and grimly true, as well.

http://lawntea.blogspot.com/2011/01/road-to-galveston.html

PS I'm remembering with chagrin right now the "40 Alarm Cake" birthday card I gave my Daddy on his 40th birthday. What a baby I was.

helen tilston said...

Hello Donna
I just listened to this incredibly beautiful song this morning and it felt like a prayer. I just love this rendition of the song.
Thanks for telling me about the movie. I was unaware of it. It will go on my list

Wishing you a blessed weekend
Helenxx

donna baker said...

Helen, glad you liked it and the movie is a good one. Means so much more now that I am getting older.

Mary said...

Hello Donna - I found you via Pamela Terry and thought I'd leave a little comment here. Thank you very much for sharing the beautiful hymn - I was not familiar with it perhaps because I'm English! I've lived here in the south many years but haven't heard it here either. I too will get the movie on Netflix as I don't recall having seen it.

I've enjoyed reading your profile about where and how you live, also liked the comments from your readers regarding the worries we have to contend with as we age. My mother lived to a good age, 91, I have 20 more to reach that number but not sure I will! Meanwhile, I make the most of each precious day.

Have a fabulous week -
Mary (A Breath of Fresh Air)

donna baker said...

Thank you for your comments Mary. I usually can't remember where I find people or blogs. Am glad you enjoyed the song. It is so beautiful. The movie is touching. I love my blog friends; they feel like family.

Debbie Nolan said...

I have seen this movie - and this song is especially a tender one for me. Thanks for reminding me.